Intermediate Licenses

For many Washington teens, earning a driver’s license is a major milestone. But before gaining the full privileges of an unrestricted license, most young drivers start with an intermediate license. Washington’s intermediate licensing system is designed to give new drivers experience behind the wheel while limiting high-risk driving situations, such as carrying multiple teen passengers or driving late at night.

While the restrictions may feel strict, they are intended to reduce the risk of serious crashes among new drivers. Importantly, violations during the intermediate license period carry harsher consequences than they would for fully licensed adults, and repeated moving violations can lead to suspension. The governing law is RCW 46.20.075, with additional context from related statutes like RCW 46.20.267 (probationary licenses).

RCW 46.20.075 – Intermediate License

The statute provides, in part:

“(1) An applicant for an intermediate license must be at least 16 years of age and:
a) Have possessed a valid instruction permit for a period of not less than six months;
(b) Have passed a driver licensing examination administered by the department;
(c) Have passed a course of driver’s education…;
(e) Not have been convicted of or found to have committed a traffic violation within the last six months before the application for the intermediate license…”

 RCW 46.20.075 – Washington State Legislature
This section establishes the requirements for receiving an intermediate license. Teen drivers must hold a permit for at least six months, pass their exams, and maintain a clean record during the permit period.

Breaking Down RCW 46.20.075

• Eligibility – Applicants must be at least 16 and meet permit requirements.
• Driving restrictions – After issuance, intermediate licenses come with strict conditions:
  • No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless with a parent, guardian, or licensed driver over 25.
  • During the first six months, no passengers under 20 are allowed unless they are immediate family.
  • During the next six months, only up to three passengers under 20 are allowed.
• Seat belts and phones – All passengers must wear seat belts, and intermediate drivers cannot use cell phones (even hands-free), except in emergencies.
• Duration – The restrictions remain until the driver turns 18, after which the license automatically becomes a standard driver’s license.

Consequences of Violations

Violating these rules or committing a moving violation while holding an intermediate license leads to escalating penalties:

• First violation – The Department of Licensing (DOL) will send a warning letter.

• Second violation – The license is suspended for six months (or until age 18, whichever comes first).

• Third violation – The license is suspended until the driver turns 18.

The statute specifies, in part:

“(1) On the first such conviction or finding the department shall mail the parent or guardian of the person a letter warning the person of the provisions of this section…
(2) On the second such conviction or finding, the department shall suspend the person’s intermediate driver’s license for a period of six months…
(3) On the third such conviction or finding, the department shall suspend the person’s intermediate driver’s license until the person reaches eighteen years of age…”

 RCW 46.20.267 – Washington State Legislature

This makes it clear that even relatively minor moving violations can quickly escalate to suspensions for intermediate drivers.

Moving Violations and Intermediate Licenses

A moving violation is any traffic offense committed while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding, failing to yield, or running a red light. For an intermediate driver, these violations count toward the penalty structure above, regardless of how minor they may seem.

For example:

• A teen cited for speeding 10 mph over the limit could receive a warning letter.
• If later cited for failure to stop at a stop sign, their license may be suspended for six months.
• A third violation, such as following too closely, could result in suspension until age 18.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission emphasizes that young drivers are already at higher risk for crashes, and these rules are meant to provide a buffer of experience before full driving privileges are granted.

 Washington Traffic Safety Commission

How to Avoid Losing an Intermediate License

The best way for teen drivers to protect their intermediate license is to:

• Obey all posted speed limits and traffic signals.
• Avoid driving late at night unless accompanied by an eligible adult.
• Follow restrictions on passengers under 20.
• Never use a cell phone while driving.
• Practice defensive driving in busy areas like Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, and use extra caution on rural highways such as U.S. Highway 2.

Resources on safe driving for teens are available through the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Conclusion

Washington’s intermediate license system, outlined in RCW 46.20.075 and RCW 46.20.267, is designed to keep new drivers safe while gradually introducing them to full driving privileges. While the restrictions may feel strict, they significantly reduce risks during the first years of unsupervised driving.

Moving violations during this period are taken seriously: a first infraction results in a warning, a second leads to suspension, and a third removes driving privileges until age 18. By following the restrictions and avoiding risky driving behaviors, teens can protect their licenses, their records, and their safety.

Frequently Asked Questions: Intermediate Licenses in Washington State

FAQ Summary

Intermediate licenses in Washington State create a balance between independence and safety for new drivers. But with that independence comes responsibility: cell phone use is banned, nighttime driving and passenger limits apply, and moving violations carry steep consequences. A single speeding ticket or other infraction can trigger warnings, and repeated violations can lead to suspensions lasting until age 18.

By respecting the restrictions outlined in RCW 46.20.075, new drivers protect not only their licenses but also their safety and the safety of others. Whether driving city streets in Seattle, merging onto I-5 in Tacoma, or navigating rural routes in eastern Washington, staying cautious and responsible ensures a smooth transition from an intermediate license to full driving privileges at adulthood.

Next Steps

When a driver with an intermediate license is cited for a traffic violation in Washington, the ticket is handled in the district or municipal court that has jurisdiction over the location where the stop occurred. The law enforcement agency that issues the ticket determines which court will process the case.

For example, if a Washington State Patrol trooper issues a speeding ticket on Interstate 5 near Chehalis, the citation will likely be assigned to Lewis County District Court. If the violation occurs within city limits and is written by local police—such as a stop sign violation in Bellevue—the case may go through Bellevue Municipal Court. A ticket for failing to obey curfew restrictions on State Route 167 in Kent could be handled in Kent Municipal Court.

Each court follows its own procedures, but all require a response by the deadline printed on the citation. The options usually include paying the fine (which counts as an admission and adds a violation to the record), requesting a mitigation hearing to explain the circumstances, or requesting a contested hearing to challenge the citation. Ignoring the ticket is not an option, as it can result in additional penalties, license suspension, and notice to the Washington Department of Licensing.

For drivers with an intermediate license, court outcomes carry more weight than they do for adults. A single ticket can trigger a warning letter from the Department of Licensing, and repeated moving violations can cause six-month suspensions or even loss of driving privileges until age 18. Because deferred findings are not always available for intermediate license holders, responding promptly and carefully to any citation is critical.

In the end, Washington’s intermediate license system—defined by RCW 46.20.075—is about safety. Whether a violation occurs on I-90 through Spokane, along U.S. Highway 2 in Snohomish County, or on residential streets in Olympia, the consequences are designed to encourage careful driving during the early years of licensure. By following the restrictions and addressing citations properly in the appropriate court, young drivers protect their licenses, their records, and the safety of others on Washington’s roads.